Unveiled on January 4, 2024: The Crow's Nest Update
Park University's Valor Medals Review Project Continues to Uncover Historical Injustices
The Valor Medals Review Project, conducted by Park University's George S. Robb Centre for the Study of the Great War, is actively working to rectify potential past omissions related to valor awards for minority veterans of World War I.
As of July 2025, the project has identified over 214 servicemembers of the U.S. Army for review, including 105 Jewish Americans, 73 African Americans, 24 Native Americans, 11 Hispanic Americans, and one Asian American [1][2][4]. The project, which focuses on veterans who may have been unjustly denied high-level valor awards due to race or religious backgrounds, is ongoing and involves detailed research and collaboration to ensure recognition of valor irrespective of veterans’ minority status [1].
While there is no recent update indicating completion or a change in the status beyond these findings, the project continues to make strides in uncovering and rectifying historical injustices in awarding military honors during WWI.
In other news, Matt Harris, Ph.D., associate professor of political science, has been making waves in the media. Harris participated in several live interviews, discussing topics ranging from Taylor Swift's potential influence on the 2024 presidential election [3] to the impact of independent candidates on elections [5]. His insights were featured on KCBS-AM in San Francisco, 630 CHED (Edmonton, Canada) / QR Radio (Calgary, Canada), WDAF-TV in Kansas City, and other news outlets [3][5].
Musically, the International Center for Music at Park University has scheduled several events for January and February 2023-24. These include performances by the Rosamunde Trio, the Park ICM Orchestra, the Park Quartet, and a piano recital by Tatiana Dorokhich [6][7][8][9].
Meanwhile, Yira Brimage, Vice President of Park University's Gilbert (Ariz.) Campus, was featured in the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce's podcast "Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders" [4]. Excerpts from her podcast were also posted in the Daily Independent (Arizona) [4].
In addition, four Park University seniors are showcasing their work in an exhibit in Park's Campanella Gallery through February 23, 2023 [10].
As the Valor Medals Review Project continues its work, the university community remains active in various areas, from academics to arts, making significant contributions to the wider community.
Sources: [1] Valor Medals Review Project [2] Park University [3] The Conversation [4] Gilbert Chamber of Commerce [5] WDAF-TV [6] Park University ICM [7] The Harbinger [8] Score MX [9] Daily Independent [10] Park University Campanella Gallery
- The Valor Medals Review Project, a part of Park University's ongoing education-and-self-development initiatives, is also making strides in the general-news domain with its efforts to recognize minority veterans of World War I.
- Beyond the Valor Medals Review Project, Park University faculty and students are making news in various fields, such as politics, arts, and academics, showcasing the university's diverse engagements in sports, general-news, and education-and-self-development.
